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By contrast the MDA Compact III box contains: Mains power adaptor, stereo headset (mini USB connector), mini USB to PC link cable, protective carry case with belt clip, a CD containing Microsoft ActiveSync and Outlook 2002.

Performance and battery life
Using the XDA Orbit and MDA Compact III side by side there is little to choose between them. They both feel comfortable to hold for general PDA purposes, fit neatly into the pocket, and because of their overall small size it is no problem holding them to the ear to make voice calls.

I tested the battery life of each by playing MP3 music continuously from a microSD card with the device screen forced to stay on. The MDA Compact III managed nine hours 25 minutes music and battery life, the XDA Orbit nine hours 59 minutes.

Both the XDA Orbit and MDA Compact III are fine examples of the Pocket PC. Quad band connectivity makes for worldwide use, while a small format makes for good portability. The the built in GPS antenna means all in one navigation is possible, and the innovative mini trackball is a boon to usability.

Verdict

Choosing between the two is a matter of distinguishing between some very fine lines indeed. The presence of Wi-Fi gives the Xda Orbit an immediate advantage of the MDA Compact III, but T-Mobile’s attractive Web’n’ walk tariffs tip the balance back the other way.

I am drawn a little more to the MDA Compact III because of its dedicated Web’n’walk button which pushes Pocket Internet Explorer into T-Mobile’s Web’n’walk home page with its links to useful Web pages, but every time I used it found myself cursing the fact that I was making a GPRS connection whenever a Wi-Fi one was nearby.

Conversely the XDA Orbit was attractive by its slightly superior battery life and of course by its Wi-Fi. In the end both devices have scored the same overall marks, but the MDA Compact III has scored lower on Features because of that Wi-Fi problem.

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